Temperature-sensitive binding of solid phase C1q to aggregated human immunoglobulin G

The first component of complement (C1q) coupled to Sepharose by cyanogen bromide was found not to bind aggregated human gamma-globulin or immune complexes at room temperature, whereas at 4 degrees C binding was nearly complete. The temperature sensitivity of solid phase C1q binding was reversible. Elution of aggregated human gamma-globulin bound at 42 degrees C was possible by raising the temperature to 23 degrees C. However, free C1q or C1q adsorbed onto polystyrene balls could bind immune complex-like material at both 23 and 4 degrees C. The conformational restraints of C1q covalently coupled to a solid support may not allow functional activity at elevated temperatures.     

Effect of H chain V region on complement activation by immobilized immune complexes.

Activation of C by immune complexes (IC) in tissues and the inflammatory consequences are major determinants in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune disorders. To assess the factors involved in C activation by such IC, we examined the binding of C components by chimeric IgG1 antibodies bound to immobilized Ag. We previously reported that alterations in the H chain V regions can affect the binding of first component of C (C1q) and a major breakdown product of the third C component (C3b) when otherwise identical antibodies were bound to immobilized (Tyr, Glu)-Ala-Lys. To evaluate C activation of these antibodies in well defined IC, we utilized a 9-amino acid peptide conjugated to BSA as Ag. The peptide:BSA conjugate was bound similarly by the two IgG1 antibodies which differed mainly in the CDR3 regions, but also in 9 other amino acids in the H chain V region. When soluble IC were prepared with the two antibodies, they activated C similarly. However, C activation by solid phase Ag:antibody complexes differed; we found that antibody 10B bound more C1q and C3b than antibody B11 did, unless the Ag was present at high density on the plates. These data suggest that the variable region differences affect C activation by these antibody when they are bound to immobilized Ag. Furthermore, these results underscore the differences in C activation by the same antibody depending upon whether the IC are free in solution or immobilized.     

Specifically cytotoxic human and mouse lymphoid cells induced with antibody or antigen-antibody complexes.

Human or mouse lymphoid cells could be "armed" with anti-NIP antibodies to become cytotoxic to NNP-conjugated fowl erythrocytes (NNP and NIP are closely related haptens). The arming factor was neutralized by a sufficient concentration of NIP-BSA (twice the concentration causing maximal precipitation) but low concentrations (e.g., 7% of the maximal precipitation concentration) increased the arming capacity.     

Receptor-mediated binding of C1q on pulmonary endothelial cells

Normal undamaged pulmonary endothelial cells appear to be immunologically privileged in that they do not express receptors for the Fc portion of IgG nor for C3b. However, these receptors become unmasked on endothelial cells injured by viral infection or exposure to white cell lysates. We now present evidence to indicate that C1q binds to specific receptors on the surface of normal healthy endothelial cells. The binding is dose-dependent, reversible and saturable. Furthermore our data show that binding of C1q to endothelial cells is via the collagenous portion of the molecule not via the globular head regions. Thus binding of C1q to endothelium would have the effect of exposing Fc receptors that could then bind to IgG of circulating immune complexes. That Fc receptors are in fact exposed is shown by rosette formation with antibody sensitized erythrocytes. With 2C1r-2C1s-associated C1q, no binding occurred using C1 fixation and transfer assays. Our results indicate that C1q binding to endothelium provides a means for localizing immune complexes on pulmonary vessels and may be important in the initiation and progression of the inflammatory response.     

Monoclonal anti-mouse macrophage antibodies recognize the globular portions of C1q, a subcomponent of the first component of complement

One of seven monoclonal antibodies generated against mouse macrophages (M phi) was found to recognize isolated heterologous C1q. This antibody was shown to be cytotoxic and to react in a strain-independent way with mouse M phi derived from bone marrow cells as well as with M phi from the peritoneal cavity; it did not react, however, with mouse granulocytes, thymocytes, or T and B lymphocytes. The hemolytic activity of fluid phase C1q was inhibited to 50% at a 2 X 10(-4) dilution of hybridoma supernatant, whereas a 100-fold higher concentration was required to inhibit C1q bound to immune complexes ( EAC1q ) to the same extent. It was demonstrated that this antibody recognizes the isolated globular, Fc-binding portions of the C1q molecule and reacts with the A and B chains. Because M phi have been shown to synthesize C1q, the Fc-recognizing subcomponent of the first component of complement, evidence was provided that endogeneous C1q can serve as an Fc receptor on M phi during secretion. This fact was demonstrated by a dose-dependent inhibition of Fc-receptor activity for EIgG by the F(ab')2 fragment of this monoclonal antibody. These experiments further support the concept that C1q produced by M phi functions on the surface as an Fc-recognizing molecule before it is released and incorporated into the macromolecular complex of serum C1.     

Binding of complement component C1q by spectrin

125I-labelled human C1q was found to bind to human spectrin. Scatchard plots for the binding process were non-linear, indicating the possible presence of multiple classes of binding sites for C1q on spectrin. The binding was ionic-strength-dependent; the extent of binding decreased with increasing ionic strength. Chemical modification of arginine and histidine residues on C1q as well as pretreatment of C1q at pH 4.45 or at 56 degrees C reduced its spectrin binding activity. The amount of 125I-labelled C1q bound to immune complexes was reduced by the presence of spectrin. Spectrin was also able to deplete the complement haemolytic activity of human serum in a dose-dependent manner.     

Relative inefficiency of terminal complement activation

The efficiency of generation of fluid-phase SC5b-9 and membrane C5b-9(m) complexes relative to cleavage of C3 and C5 was studied. Fluid-phase C activation was induced through addition of purified bacterial Ag to human serum. Sephadex beads were used as particulate activators of the alternative pathway. Rabbit or antibody-coated sheep or human E were used to study formation of cytolytic C5b-9(m) complexes. The molar ratios of C3a:C5a generated in the model systems were found to be in the range of 60 to 200:1 in the case of soluble immune complex activators, and 70 to 150:1 with particulate activators and cells. The efficiency of C5 cleavage relative to C3 cleavage increased on surfaces with the density of antibody and/or C3b-binding sites. With soluble immune complexes, the efficiency of subsequent SC5b-9 generation displayed wide variations dependent on Ag and donor with molar ratios of C5a:SC5b-9 ranging from 30:1 for teichoic acid and sometimes approaching 1:1 for streptolysin-O. In contrast, activation on particles or cells always led to C5a:C5b-9 (calculated as the sum of generated moles SC5b-9 and C5b-9(m] ratios approaching 1:1. Hence, there is an overall inefficiency of terminal sequence activation in the C cascade due first to a dissociation at the level of C5 convertase formation/C5-cleavage and second, to a frequent inefficiency of C5b-utilization in the fluid-phase. The results provide an explanation for the very low levels of SC5b-9 found in plasma of healthy individuals and in patients with C-consuming immune complex disease.     

Activation of the binding of C1q to immune complexes by zinc

ZnSO4 promotes the binding of C1q to immune complexes over the same concentration range (10(-5)-10(-4) M) that it inhibits binding of C1 to cell-bound immunoglobulin [Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. (1981) 103, 856-862]. At higher concentrations (10(-3)-2 X 10(-2) M) ZnSO4 inhibited the binding of C1q to immune complexes, [Ki = (6 +/- 2) X 10(-3) M]. This inhibition could be correlated with a ZnSO4-induced change in the tryptophan fluorescence of C1q [delta F 25%, Kd = (9.9 +/- 1.0) X 10(-3) M].     

C1q and C4b bind simultaneously to CR1 and additively support erythrocyte adhesion.

Previously, we showed that soluble C1q bound specifically to CR1 on transfected cells. If the CR1-C1q interaction were to participate in immune complex clearance, then this interaction should support E adhesion. Using a tip plate adhesion assay, we found that immobilized C1q mediated adhesion of human E. E binding to C1q was specifically inhibited by polyclonal anti-CR1 Fab fragments. Intact C1 was not efficient as an adherence ligand until it was treated with EDTA or the C1 inhibitor to remove the C1r2C1s2 complex from C1, leaving C1q. Titration of C1q alone, C4b alone, and C1q + C4b indicated that the two complement ligands were additive in their ability to support CR1-mediated adhesion of E. Analysis of binding to immobilized CR1 using a BIAcore instrument documented that C1q, C4b, and C3b binding were independent events. Additionally, C1q-dependent binding of immune complexes and heat-aggregated IgG to E was documented. These experiments confirm that the immune adherence receptor in humans, CR1, is the single receptor for all of the opsonic ligands of complement, provide evidence for a single C1q binding site on LHR-D of CR1, and suggest that C1q may participate in immune clearance.     

Virus-induced immune complex disease: specific anti-viral antibody and C1q binding material in the circulation during persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection

Mice of several strains persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) mount continuous anti-LCMV immune responses leading to the formation and tissue deposition of immune complexes. Such mice carry infectious virus-immunoglobulin (presumably anti-LCMV antibody) complexes in the circulation. We have now determined that anti-LCMV antibody both complexed and free is found in the circulation of mice persistently infected with LCMV. This antibody reacts specifically against the three main LCMV structural polypeptides: nucleoprotein, 63,000 m.w. and two glycopeptides, GP-1 and GP-2 with m.w. of 45,000 and 35,000, respectively. A C1q binding assay was developed and found to be effective in measuring C1Q binding substances (presumably virus-anti-viral Ig complexes) in the circulations of several strains of mice persistently infected with LCMV. With different strains of mice, the levels, time of formation, and fate of C1q binding materials varied markedly. Formation of antibodies to LCMV was correlated with the detection of C1q binding materials. Mice (SWR/J) persistently infected with lactic dehydrogenase virus also form infectious virus-Ig in their sera but deposit minimal amounts of complexes in their tissues. In such mice, C1q binding substances did not form in the circulation.     

Contribution of chondroitin sulfate A to the binding of complement proteins to activated platelets

Background

Exposure of chondroitin sulfate A (CS-A) on the surface of activated platelets is well established. The aim of the present study was to investigate to what extent CS-A contributes to the binding of the complement recognition molecule C1q and the complement regulators C1 inhibitor (C1INH), C4b-binding protein (C4BP), and factor H to platelets.

Principal Findings

Human blood serum was passed over Sepharose conjugated with CS-A, and CS-A-specific binding proteins were identified by Western blotting and mass spectrometric analysis. C1q was shown to be the main protein that specifically bound to CS-A, but C4BP and factor H were also shown to interact. Binding of C1INH was dependent of the presence of C1q and then not bound to CS-A from C1q-depleted serum. The specific interactions observed of these proteins with CS-A were subsequently confirmed by surface plasmon resonance analysis using purified proteins. Importantly, C1q, C4BP, and factor H were also shown to bind to activated platelets and this interaction was inhibited by a CS-A-specific monoclonal antibody, thereby linking the binding of C1q, C4BP, and factor H to exposure of CS-A on activated platelets. CS-A-bound C1q was also shown to amplify the binding of model immune complexes to both microtiter plate-bound CS-A and to activated platelets.

Conclusions

This study supports the concept that CS-A contributes to the binding of C1q, C4BP, and factor H to platelets, thereby adding CS-A to the previously reported binding sites for these proteins on the platelet surface. CS-A-bound C1q also seems to amplify the binding of immune complexes to activated platelets, suggesting a role for this molecule in immune complex diseases.     

Complement lysis of U937, a nucleated mammalian cell line in the absence of C9: effect of C9 on C5b-8 mediated cell lysis

Previous studies have demonstrated that in general, nucleated cells are more resistant to killing by serum complement than are erythrocytes. During studies aimed at defining the mechanisms of nucleated cell resistance, we found that the human histiocytic cell line U937 was easily lysed by homologous serum. U937 cells were also killed by serum depleted of C9, but not by serum depleted of C8, implying that the C5b-8 complex was sufficient to cause lysis of these cells. Enumeration of complexes on the cell surface demonstrated that approximately 40-fold more complexes were required to lyse U937 cells in the absence of C9 than in the presence of an excess of C9. Examination of the effects of small amounts of C9 on lysis of U937 cells by the C5b-8 complex demonstrated that at very low doses, C9 inhibited C5b-8 mediated lysis. The use of radiolabeled anti-C8 antibody showed that C5b-8 complexes were eliminated from the surface of U937 cells at 37 degrees C, and C9 at the dose causing inhibition of lysis accelerated the elimination of complexes. These results suggest that the increased lytic potential resulting from binding of small amounts of C9 to C5b-8 complexes is outweighed by enhanced elimination of complexes resulting in decreased cell death.     

Activation of human complement by IgG antisperm antibody and the demonstration of C3 and C5b-9-mediated immune injury to human sperm

To investigate the role of C in the pathogenesis of antisperm antibody (ASA)-mediated infertility, we evaluated the binding and biologic effects of antisperm IgG and autologous C on human sperm. A flow cytometric assay using motile sperm as a target for IgG ASA+ (n = 30) and ASA- (n = 5) sera was developed for the concomitant detection of sperm-bound IgG and the initial (C3d) and terminal (C5b-9) C components on the surface of human sperm. Of the 30 IgG ASA+ sera evaluated by flow cytometry, 15 (50%) and 22 (73.3%) sera were also positive for sperm-bound C3d and C5b-9, respectively. Monomeric IgG purified from C-fixing ASA+ serum was able to bind to sperm and induced deposition of C3 on the sperm surface in the presence of human C. Incubation of motile sperm with C-fixing immune sera resulted in a significant loss (43 to 87%) of motility associated with characteristic C5b-9-induced alterations in sperm morphology leading ultimately to sperm lysis. When motile sperm were cocultured with purified polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in the presence of C-fixing immune sera, the binding of sperm heads to the PMN resulted in the formation of sperm rosettes, whereas non C-fixing or control sera had no such effect. Transmission electron microscopy of thin sections of the rosettes revealed ingestion of the sperm by the human PMN. These data suggested that 1) antibody bound to sperm is capable of activating autologous C by the classical pathway; 2) binding of both IgG and C proteins initiates C3-mediated sperm binding to PMN and sperm inactivation by deposition of membrane attack complex (MC5b-9) of C; and 3) concomitant detection of sperm-bound IgG, C3d, and C5b-9 may serve as an indicator of C-fixing cytotoxic ASA in the sera of infertile couples.     

Complement proteins C5b-9 induce secretion of high molecular weight multimers of endothelial von Willebrand factor and translocation of granule membrane protein GMP-140 to the cell surface

The effect of immune activation of the serum complement system on the secretory response of human endothelial cells was examined. Exposure of antibody sensitized cultured umbilical vein endothelial cells to human serum resulted in secretion of very high molecular weight multimers of von Willebrand factor which coincided with new surface expression of the intracellular granule membrane protein GMP-140. This response required complement activation through deposition of C5b-9 and was not observed with cells exposed to antibody plus C8-deficient serum or to membrane C5b-8 (in the absence of C9). This C5b-9-induced secretion was observed with minimal cell lysis, as assessed by the release of lactic dehydrogenase. Delayed addition of C8 and C9 to cells exposed to antibody plus C8-deficient serum revealed a rapid decay of membrane C8 binding sites accompanied by loss of the secretory response, suggesting a process of removal or inactivation of nascent C5b67 complexes deposited on the endothelial surface. Membrane assembly of C5b-9 complexes caused an increase in endothelial cytosolic [Ca2+], due to influx across the plasma membrane. This C5b-9-dependent increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] and concomitant von Willebrand factor secretion were both abolished by removal of external calcium. In addition to being linked to the level of external Ca2+, the C5b-9-induced secretory response was partially inhibited by the protein kinase inhibitor, sphingosine. The capacity of the C5b-9 proteins to stimulate endothelial cells to secrete a platelet adhesive protein provides one mechanism for increased platelet deposition at sites of inflammation, and suggests the potential for other functional changes in endothelium exposed to C5b-9 during intravascular complement activation.     

An immune complex selective affinity matrix utilizing a synthetic peptide

A synthetic peptide possessing an amino acid sequence patterned on the globular head region of human complement component 1 subcomponent q (C1q) was tested for immunoglobulin binding. The peptide designated complementary binding peptide 2 (CBP2) was able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus Protein A and human C1q from binding rabbit immunoglobulin at peptide concentrations for 50% inhibition of 1 and 10 microM, respectively. When attached to a solid-phase matrix in a column, CBP2 was able to bind immune complexes consisting of horseradish peroxidase plus rabbit antiperoxidase antibody or alkali-aggregated human immunoglobulins. A 1:4 mixture of immune complex to free immunoglobulin when passed over the CBP2 column demonstrated selective immune complex binding. Further controls established that CBP2 was in fact binding the immunoglobulin component of the immune complexes in a reversible fashion. The immune complex specificity of the column suggested a functional affinity was forming when CBP2 interacted with immune complexes. The possibility that the sequence of CBP2 is part of the immunoglobulin binding site of human C1q is discussed.     

Studies on the mechanism of bacterial resistance to complement-mediated killing. VI. IgG increases the bactericidal efficiency of C5b-9 for E. coli 0111B4 by acting at a step before C5 cleavage

Our previous experiments showed that immune IgG and F(ab')2, but not Fab', mediated serum killing of Escherichia coli 0111B4, strain 12015 (12015), without significantly increasing the extent of terminal complement (C) component attachment to the bacterial surface. We concluded that bactericidal antibody must change either the site or the nature of C5b-9 bacterial attachment. To pursue this possibility, conditions necessary for elution of C5b-9 from the bacterial surface were examined. Forty-two to 44% of 125I-C9 was released from the serum-resistant nonpresensitized 12015 by 1 M NaCl or 0.1% trypsin, compared with the 21 to 24% release from the serum-sensitive presensitized isolate under the same condition. When strain 12015 bearing 125I-C9 was lysed in a French pressure cell, 73.1% of 125I-C9 was released with the capsular fraction if the organisms had not been presensitized. In contrast, on presensitized 12015, 70.2% of 125I-C9 remained associated with the outer membrane after such lysis. These results suggested that C5b-9 was trapped within or underneath the capsule of 12015 in the absence of bactericidal antibody, but that addition of antibody led to C5b-9 insertion into the outer membrane with bacterial killing. The requirement of C components preceding C5 for bacterial killing was next examined. Minimal killing of presensitized 12015 occurred when a terminal C complex was formed by acid activation from purified C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9 in the absence of C3 or earlier components. In contrast, between 1.2 and 3 log killing of nonpresensitized rough Salmonella minnesota and rough E. coli was observed in the same system. Killing of 12015 was examined with bacteria incubated in C5-deficient serum (C5D), followed by washing and the addition of purified C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9 to permit C5b-9 formation. Antibody was added before or after incubation in C5D serum, or after the addition of purified C5-C9. Under conditions of equivalent C3 and C9 binding, significant killing occurred only when antibody was added before incubation in C5D serum. These results show that antibody must be present at or before the time of C5 convertase formation to mediate killing of 12015 by C5b-9. Therefore, antibody is unlikely to be functioning primarily to alter the bacterial surface to expose sites for C5b-9 insertion, nor is the effect of antibody simply to increase C3 and terminal component binding. We postulate that antibody mediates killing of 12015 by localizing C5b-9 around antibody-clustered sites of C3 and C5 convertase formation.     

Specific inhibition of the classical complement pathway by C1q-binding peptides.

Undesired activation of the complement system is a major pathogenic factor contributing to various immune complex diseases and conditions such as hyperacute xenograft rejection. We aim for prevention of complement-mediated damage by specific inhibition of the classical complement pathway, thus not affecting the antimicrobial functions of the complement system via the alternative pathway and the lectin pathway. Therefore, 42 peptides previously selected from phage-displayed peptide libraries on basis of C1q binding were synthesized and examined for their ability to inhibit the function of C1q. From seven peptides that showed inhibition of C1q hemolytic activity but no inhibition of the alternative complement pathway, one peptide (2J) was selected and further studied. Peptide 2J inhibited the hemolytic activity of C1q from human, chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, rat, and mouse origin, all with a similar dose-response relationship (IC(50) 2-6 microM). Binding of C1q to peptide 2J involved the globular head domain of C1q. In line with this interaction, peptide 2J dose-dependently inhibited the binding of C1q to IgG and blocked activation of C4 and C3 and formation of C5b-9 induced via classical pathway activation, as assessed by ELISA. Furthermore, the peptide strongly inhibited the deposition of C4 and C3 on pig cells following their exposure to human xenoreactive Abs and complement. We conclude that peptide 2J is a promising reagent for the development of a therapeutic inhibitor of the earliest step of the classical complement pathway, i.e., the binding of C1q to its target.     

C1q production and C1q-mediated immune complex retention in lymphoid follicles of rat spleen

Summary Involvement of C1q in retaining immune complexes in germinal centers in rat spleen was studied in vivo and in vitro. C1q production was found in fibroblastic reticulum cells in the peripheral mantle zone, in follicular dendritic cells in germinal centers, and in transitional forms between these two cells in the inner mantle zone. In passively immunized animals, immune complexes were found transiently on fibroblastic reticulum cells, then on the transitional forms and follicular dendritic cells. Extracellular C1q was detected by the presence of immune complexes on both the transitional forms and follicular dendritic cells, but not on fibroblastic reticulum cells. Thus, the fibroblastic reticulum cell appeared to trap immune complexes but not to retain either immune complexes or C1q. The morphology and function of the fibroblastic reticulum cell and the follicular dendritic cell suggest that they belong to the same lineage. Immune complexes were bound in vitro to germinal centers in cryostat spleen sections in the same manner as those retained in vivo. The binding required no complement in the incubation medium and was inhibited by C1q-suppressing factors. The extracellular C1q originating from the follicular cells may therefore play a role in retaining immune complexes in the germinal center.     

Activation of the first component of human complement, C1, by monoclonal antibodies directed against different domains of subcomponent C1q

Two monoclonal antibodies directed against C1q, and their (Fab)2 and Fab fragments, were used to study the mechanism of C1 activation. Monoclonal antibody 2A10, an IgG2a, was digested by pepsin to yield fully immunoreactive (Fab')2. Monoclonal antibody 1H11, an IgG1, was digested by papain to yield fully immunoreactive, bivalent (Fab)2. Previously 1H11 had been shown to bind to the C1q "heads," whereas 2A10 bound to stalks. Activation of C1 was followed by the cleavage of 125I-C1s in the presence of C1 inhibitor (C1-Inh) at 37 degrees C. Spontaneous activation was minimal at inhibitor concentrations above 0.4 micron (1.3 X physiologic inhibitor concentration); all results were corrected for the spontaneous activation background. Heat-aggregated IgG activated completely in this system and was taken as 100% activation. Monoclonal antibody 2A10 caused precipitation of C1 and slow activation; neither the (Fab')2 nor the Fab' derived from 2A10-caused activation. Probably, aggregates of intact 2A10 and C1 were serving as immune complexes to activate other molecules of C1. In contrast, both 1H11 and its (Fab)2 activated completely and stoichiometrically; that is, maximal activation was achieved at a ratio of one C1q head to one antibody combining site. The monovalent Fab derived from 1H11 bound well to C1q, but no activation of C1 was observed. Thus, bivalent binding of this head-binding monoclonal is required for C1 activation, but not the presence of the antibody Fc portion. Neither 1H11 nor its (Fab)2 fragments caused C1 precipitation; however, the 1H11 did form complexes composed of two C1q cross-linked by multiple 1H11, which were visualized by electron microscopy. The presence of these dimeric complexes correlated well with activation. A model for C1 activation is proposed in which two C1q subcomponents are held together by multiple (Fab)2 bridging C1q heads. The model is roughly analogous to touching opposing pairs of fingers and thumb tips, the two hands representing the two C1q, forming a cage. C1-Inh, which probably binds to C1r through the open end of the C1 cone, is too long asymmetric to be included within the cage. Thus, according to this model, the dimers of C1 are released from the inhibitory action of C1-Inh, and activation proceeds spontaneously and rapidly at 37 degrees C.     

Isolation and function of a human endothelial cell C1q receptor

It has been shown previously that cultured human venous and arterial endothelial cells (EC) bind C1q in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cultured human endothelial cells express an average number of 5.2 x 10(5) binding sites/cell. In the present study the putative receptor for C1q (C1qR) was isolated from the membranes of 1-5 x 10(9) human umbilical cord EC by affinity chromatography on C1q-Sepharose. During isolation, C1qR was detected by its capacity to inhibit the lysis of EAC1q in C1q-deficient serum. The eluate from C1q-Sepharose was concentrated, dialysed and subjected to QAE-A50 chromatography and subsequently to gel filtration on HPLC-TSK 3000. C1qR filtered at an apparent molecular weight of 60 kDa. Purified C1qR exhibited an apparent molecular weight of 55-62 kDa in the unreduced state and a molecular weight of 64-68 kDa in reduced form. Two IgM monoclonal antibodies (mAb) D3 and D5 were raised following immunization of mice with purified receptor preparations. Both monoclonal antibodies increased the binding of (125)I-C1q to endothelial cells but F(ab')(2) anti-C1qR mAb inhibited the binding of a(125)I-C1q to EC in a dosedependent manner. The D3 mAb recognized a band of 54-60 kDa in Western blots of membranes of human EC and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Previously, the authors showed that C1q induces the binding of IgM-containing immune complexes to EC. Therefore, it was hypothesized that during a primary immune response generation of IgM-IC may occur, resulting in binding and activation of C1, dissociation of activated C1 by C1 inhibitor and subsequent interaction of IgM-IC bearing C1q with EC-C1qR.